Chelsea Are Ready To Step Up Their Efforts For This Barcelona Playmaker: Should Maresca Go For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Chelsea are ready to step up their efforts for Barcelona playmaker Fermin Lopez. It has been claimed that the Blues are eager to get a deal done for the Spanish talent in the January transfer window.

Lopez’s Impressive Season In La Liga

Lopez had a productive campaign at the Catalan club recently as he put in a series of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 22-year-old scored on eight occasions and secured ten assists in 46 matches for Barcelona last season in multiple competitions.

The Spanish attacker was a reliable performer in the opponent’s half after he averaged 2.95 shots per 90 minutes in La Liga. He kept 36.6% of his shots on target. Lopez was even careful when interchanging possession with his teammates as he made 81.8% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via fbef.com).

Lopez is under contract at the Nou Camp until the summer of 2029. Hence, Chelsea would have to launch a convincing offer if they want to sign the Spaniard next year.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 24: Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona acknowledges the fans while wearing the UEFA 2024 winer medal and the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal prior to the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on August 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Should Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Go For Lopez?

Lopez is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make some driving runs with it in and around the opponent’s penalty area. He has got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third and can shoot the ball with power from long range.

The Spanish sensation can contribute by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team in the final third. He mainly plays in the number ten position but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder or as a left-winger if told to do so by his manager.

Lopez would inject more quality into Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca’s frontline. He is good enough to compete for a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge in the coming years.

At 22, Lopez has got a bright future ahead of him and could be a real asset for the Blues in the long run. Thus, Maresca should focus on going for a player of his skill set in the January transfer window. However, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his good form in the Premier League.